Barbie: An evolution of empowered femininity echoing Miyazaki’s female characters
(Image composition by Beatrix Kondo)
Margot Robbie's groundbreaking portrayal of Barbie in the highly anticipated 2023 film sets to challenge societal beauty standards head-on. Directed by Greta Gerwig, this cinematic masterpiece deftly explores the complexities of modern feminism, taking a playful yet thought-provoking approach to dissecting Barbie's historical impact on gender roles and beauty ideals. It resembles the realm of cinema created by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, where female characters transcend the boundaries of traditional heroines. They emerge as multi-faceted individuals, endowed with a diverse range of emotions and traits.
Gerwig's direction breathes new life into Barbie, transforming her from a one-dimensional figure of desire into a fully realized character. Robbie skillfully balances mockery and admiration for the iconic toy's history, creating a captivating and empowering portrayal.
Breaking away from the traditional mold, Barbie embarks on a journey of self-discovery encouraging viewers to question society's expectations of women. Through her transformation, the film underscores the significance of finding one's identity beyond conventional roles and navigating the complexities of a world shaped by societal norms.
Miyazaki’s Princess San, also known as Princess Mononoke, exemplifies strength and bravery as she valiantly defends the forest against the cruelty of humans. Raised by wolves, San challenges social expectations by adopting a wolf-like persona, subverting traditional gender norms.
Similarly, in “Spirited Away,” Chihiro embodies the qualities of empathy and perseverance as she bravely navigates a fantastical world to rescue her parents. Overcoming her initial fears, Chihiro finds her voice and strength in the face of adversity, defying societal expectations and embracing her true identity.
These powerful female characters to Margot Robbie's revolutionary portrayal of Barbie exemplify the importance of redefining and transcending traditional and old-fashioned societal expectations. They serve as potent reminders that true strength lies in embracing one's identity, irrespective of conventional roles and breaking free from the confines of the patriarchy.
Kiki, from Hayao Miyazaki's beloved film “Kiki's Delivery Service," joins the ranks of empowering female characters in the filmmaker's repertoire. In a narrative that echoes the journey of self-discovery seen in Barbie's stories, Kiki's tale delves into the themes of finding one's authentic voice and gaining independence. The movie introduces us to a young witch named Kiki, who embarks on a year of training away from home as part of her witch tradition. Accompanied by her loyal and talkative black cat, Jiji, Kiki ventures into a new city, eager to unlock her unique abilities and establish her delivery service.
Initially, Kiki's self-assurance falters as she grapples with her insecurities and struggles to adapt to her unfamiliar surroundings. While she takes pride in her magical powers, she soon realizes that her voice or abilities do not define her worth. The turning point in her journey arrives when she faces challenges and loses her ability to communicate with Jiji. This loss proves to be a catalyst for Kiki, as it compels her to rely on her inner strength and find her voice without the aid of magic.
Embarking on a journey reminiscent of the captivating narratives found in Miyazaki's masterpieces, like Princess Mononoke and Chihiro, Kiki begins searching for her true self. In this enchanting tale, she learns to cast aside the shackles of external validation, even disregarding the once-influential voice of her trusty companion, Jiji. Through the empowering discovery and embrace of her voice, Kiki undergoes a profound metamorphosis, emerging as a tenacious and self-assured individual. Her remarkable journey challenges societal norms, defying conventional expectations of womanhood and crafting her unique path toward empowerment.
Sophie's journey in “Howl's Moving Castle” and Barbie's journey share parallels as both characters experience moments of crisis that lead to profound self-discovery. In "Howl's Moving Castle," Sophie's life drastically turns when she is cursed and transformed into an elderly woman. This unexpected event forces her to confront her insecurities and fears, ultimately leading her to embrace her new appearance and discover her inner courage. Similarly, Barbie's journey challenges her preconceived notions of identity and beauty standards. As she ventures into the human world, Barbie grapples with self-doubt and societal expectations, ultimately realizing that true empowerment comes from embracing her authentic self. Both Sophie and Barbie's crises become pivotal moments in their journeys, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and the discovery of inner strength.
In Miyazaki's works like “Spirited Away” and “Howl's Moving Castle,” female protagonists embark on transformative journeys that lead them to uncover their inner strength and authenticity. Barbie's narrative aligns with these portrayals as she undergoes a personal transformation and discovers her authentic voice beyond what society expects from a woman, even a doll that represented outdated ideals of beauty and behavior — and we know the influence of entertainment and toys on both children and adults.
With its parallels to the legacy of filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, “Barbie” promises to be a mesmerizing exploration of self-discovery and empowerment. Audiences can expect to be enthralled as Barbie steps into the real world, transcending the limitations of her plastic past to become a symbol of strength and possibility.
The film delivers a powerful message of feminism, inclusivity and embracing one's authentic self. Margot Robbie's portrayal and Gerwig's direction push the boundaries of representation and feminism in modern cinema, creating an empowering film for audiences of all ages.
